Drivers wanted: Halifax Transit looking to return to full service by the end of summer
A push is on to fill job openings with Halifax Transit.
There are roughly 42 vacancies within the public transit service, according to Maggie-Jane Spray, a spokesperson for Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
Based on the city’s current hiring plan, the hope is to get back to full service with a full complement of staff by late summer.
“That doesn’t necessarily align with tourism season, however, we typically see our biggest increase in ridership in the fall, when students return back for school,” said Spray in an interview with CTV News.
But the business community thinks there’s still room for to grow.
“I think a reliable transit service is really important for downtown businesses,” said Patrick Sullivan, the president and CEO of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce. “It’s important for businesses all around Halifax.”
Once the city meets its previous levels of service, Sullivan says he would like to see the transit system enhanced.
“It’s important for people to be able to get to work, return from work; reduce the number of cars on the road. All of that is very, very important to both small and large businesses,” Sullivan said.
Spray says Halifax Transit currently has budget approval for 640 positions.
Bus driver Dilshad Aulkh has been behind the wheel for two years. He says it’s a career worth pursuing.
”It’s a stable job and it’s a government job with benefits, so that’s why I’m in,” said Aulkh.
To recruit more operators like Aulkh, representatives from Halifax Transit will be at a job fair Saturday in Porter’s Lake, N.S.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.